Every Morning I wake summary and exercise | Class 12 English Notes | NEB
Every Morning I Wake by Emily Dickinson
Summary for Class 12 NEB Students
Emily Dickinson (1830–1886) was an American poet whose writings explored life, death, nature, and the inner self with striking simplicity and depth. Living much of her life in Amherst, Massachusetts, Dickinson developed a unique poetic style characterized by concise diction, unusual punctuation, and powerful imagery. Her poems often reflect personal observations and philosophical insights drawn from everyday experiences. Every Morning I Wake is one such poem that contemplates the routine of waking each day and the deeper meanings embedded in that experience.
Every Morning I Wake describes the speaker’s experience of awakening each day and immediately sensing the wonder of being alive. Through vivid and direct language, Dickinson conveys the quiet amazement that comes with returning to consciousness after sleep. The poem reflects an appreciation of life’s ordinary beginnings and the renewal that each morning offers. For the speaker, waking becomes more than a physical act — it is a moment that highlights both the fragility of existence and the gift of another day. Dickinson emphasizes that life cannot be taken for granted; each new morning carries the possibility of delight, surprise, and gratitude.
The poem also explores deeper themes such as the celebration of life, gratitude for existence, and the contrast between life and death. By focusing on the simple act of waking up, Dickinson invites readers to recognize the everyday miracle of life that many overlook. The poem suggests that awareness and appreciation of small moments can transform how one experiences the world. It also subtly acknowledges that each day lived is precious because life’s continuity is never guaranteed. Every Morning I Wake thus becomes a meditation on human awareness and the emotional significance of daily renewal.
Main Themes
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Celebration of Life: Waking up each day is an affirmation of being alive.
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Gratitude and Awareness: Recognizing the gift of a new day enriches human experience.
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Life and Death: The poem implicitly contrasts living with the possibility of not waking.
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Mindfulness of the Present: Emphasis on appreciating ordinary moments.
Glossary
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contemplate (v.): to think deeply about something
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fragility (n.): the quality of being easily broken or delicate
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renewal (n.): the act of starting again or refreshing
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existence (n.): the state of living or being
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vivid (adj.): clear and detailed in meaning or appearance
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miracle (n.): something wonderful or extraordinary
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gratitude (n.): thankfulness or appreciation
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awareness (n.): conscious understanding of something
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contrast (n.): the difference between two things
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appreciation (n.): recognition of value or importance
Understanding the text
a. When does the speaker pray to the Lord?
The speaker prays to God every morning upon waking and every night before going to sleep.
b. What does the speaker pray for?
The speaker prays for God’s grace and blessings, not only for his own well-being but also for the welfare of all living creatures under Milk Wood.
c. Who are the ‘poor creatures’? Why does the speaker call them ‘poor creatures’?
The ‘poor creatures’ refer to the inhabitants of Milk Wood and, more broadly, all of humankind. They are called ‘poor creatures’ because they are mortal, born only to die, and are dependent on God’s mercy and protection.
d. What does Milk Wood sound like? A type of wood or a place? Why?
Milk Wood refers to a place, not a type of wood. This is indicated by the absence of an article (a, an, the) before the noun. Grammatically, if it were a type of wood, an article would typically be used.
e. Why do the inhabitants of Milk Wood bow to the setting sun ‘but just for now’?
The inhabitants bow to the setting sun as a gesture of farewell for that evening, expressing hope and gratitude to witness another day under God’s blessings.
Reference to the context
a. Discuss “Every Morning When I Wake” as a prayer to God.
Dylan Thomas’s poem “Every Morning When I Wake” can be regarded as a prayer poem. The speaker addresses God, the Almighty, every morning and night, seeking grace and blessings for all creatures under Milk Wood. He emphasizes human vulnerability, reminding that humans are mere mortals made of flesh and bones, born only to die. By praying to God, the speaker acknowledges His supreme power, guidance, and protection over all beings.
b. Why does the speaker make a prayer to God, not to a king, billionaire, or scientist?
The speaker prays to God because He is omniscient, omnipresent, and the ultimate creator of all beings. Kings, billionaires, and scientists, no matter how powerful, wealthy, or knowledgeable, are mortal and dependent on God’s grace. All their positions, knowledge, and wealth exist because of God. Unlike humans, God is immortal, supreme, and capable of guiding, protecting, and sustaining life.
c. How does the poet highlight the magnificence of God?
The poet highlights God’s magnificence by portraying Him as a caring and omnipotent being who watches over all ‘poor creatures’. God creates, sustains, and protects life on Earth while also being capable of controlling the universe. His blessings make human life meaningful, beautiful, and secure. The contrast between God’s immortality and human mortality emphasizes His supreme power and magnificence.
d. How does the rhyme scheme of the poem reinforce its message?
Reference Beyond Text
a. Does God exist? Give your opinion.
Since the beginning of human civilization, many questions have remained unsolved, and one of the most profound is: “Does God exist?” People hold different opinions regarding God’s existence. Broadly, there are two groups: Theists, who believe in God, and Atheists, who do not. Atheists often argue that God does not exist because no one has seen Him physically.
However, in my view, God does exist. His existence is similar to the presence of oxygen in the air. We cannot see oxygen with the naked eye, but experiments and observations prove that it is essential for life. Similarly, God’s presence may not be physically visible, yet it can be experienced by devoted souls. God’s existence is like a form of spiritual radiation: we see its effects in the world, in nature, and in the lives of people. Many religious individuals have claimed to communicate with their ancestors or experience divine guidance, which strengthens the belief in God, even among skeptics.
b. Importance of God in society (Based on Voltaire’s statement)
In his Epistle to the Author of the Book, The Three Impostors (1768), French philosopher Voltaire writes, “Even if God did not exist, it would be necessary to invent Him.” This highlights the vital role of God in human society. God is often seen as the supreme creator and the ultimate source of moral guidance. The presence of God inspires people to lead meaningful, disciplined, and ethical lives.
God represents the positive energy and moral compass of society. Humans live together as social beings, following norms and values that maintain harmony and peace. The belief in God discourages sinful or harmful behavior because people fear divine judgment. It teaches moral values such as kindness, empathy, honesty, and humanity, helping to create a civilized and cohesive society.
Belief in God also provides comfort during life’s hardships. People find hope and resilience, trusting that divine guidance will help them overcome difficulties. Moreover, belief in God encourages reflection on the afterlife. People consider their souls immortal, with consequences based on their deeds—suffering in purgatory for wrongdoings or attaining peace in heaven for righteous acts. Such beliefs promote ethical behavior and social responsibility.
Thus, whether or not God is physically verifiable, His presence—real or symbolic—is essential for a harmonious, moral, and well-functioning society. If God did not exist, humanity would still need the concept to maintain order, hope, and moral guidance.
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